Volunteers

Tina Zimmerman

Tina was born and raised in Chicago. As one of six children, she learned early on that a loving community was essential to thriving. Heart Smiles is such a community.

Since moving to San Antonio in 1997, she has raised two beautiful children, built a successful catering business, and been heavily involved as an active member of her church and the community.

Tina has always had a heart for children. While raising her own, she sat on the board for the children’s preschool, Coker Methodist Day School. She additionally served as PTA President for both elementary and middle school.

As the owner and head chef of Charlie’s Kitchen, Tina hosts and caters beautiful events all over Texas.  She has a passion for food, and an even bigger passion for feeding people.

Tina has been a long-time supporter and volunteer for NIOSA, a local organization focused on raising funds to preserve historical buildings all over Texas. At NIOSA, Tina and a small group man a booth yearly. And as a volunteer for Teens Give Back, she is the ambassador for the San Antonio Food Bank, coordinating volunteer opportunities for our teens. And is a regular volunteer for Snack Pak 4 Kids, an organization that provides weekend food for chronically hungry children in San Antonio.

Currently, Tina also serves as DATA Alliance President for the San Antonio HS magnet program, and is a committee member for the NEISD’s District Improvement Council and Co-leader and Money Manager for Group Scout Troop 726. She is honored to now work with The Heart Smiles organization.


Elaine Underwood

Elaine Underwood was born and raised in Seattle, WA. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management and a Minor in Psychology from Central Washington University. Elaine met her husband, Chris, at college and they have three children: Aidan, Dylan, and Ashlyn. Ten years ago, the military brought her family to San Antonio, Texas where they fell in love with the city and the community and decided to make San Antonio their permanent home. Elaine is the Director of Human Resources for Sundance Print Centers.

Elaine’s passion for helping others and her community started at a young age and has continued through her adult life. She is an active volunteer with numerous organizations that her children are involved in.
When Elaine heard of The Heart Smiles organization and the amazing work they were doing to help children in Ghana, she knew this was something special that I wanted to be a part of. Elaine has previously served on the gala committee and is currently serving as Secretary.

 


Dr. Laural Logan-Fain

Dr. Logan-Fain has spent more than fifteen years working in the fields of leadership training, education, and market research. She currently serves as Training and Staff Development Specialist for Spurs Sports and Entertainment in San Antonio. She also teaches graduate courses at the University of Texas, San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University, and the University of Houston in Victoria.

Dr. Logan-Fain earned a Ph.D. in education administration, curriculum and supervision (EACS) with a specialization in education law from the University of Oklahoma. She has served as an assistant professor in the College of Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, worked as a Director of Market Research for Saxon Publishers and Harcourt Assessment; and served as Associate Director for the Texas Consortium on School Research (TCSR). She has published numerous school law-related articles and co-authored the Law of Teacher Evaluation and the Legal Handbook for Oklahoma School Administrators.

She has a teacher’s heart and loves working with students of all ages. She gets a kick out of watching people learn new things and grow from their experiences. Her greatest joy, however, is spending time with her friends and family – especially her husband, Joe, and her son, Joseph. She is also a Spur’s basketball fan (Go Spurs Go!) and an OU football fan (Boomer Sooner!).


Emma Herrera 

Emma is a passionate emerging marketer who blends creativity, strategy, and a genuine love for building meaningful connections. A recent business graduate now pursuing her master’s in Integrated Marketing at NYU, she brings a strong interest in branding, consumer behavior, and storytelling. Her experience across different marketing roles has shaped her into a thoughtful communicator with an eye for aesthetics and memorable experiences.

Emma is  known for her leadership and heart for service. Throughout her time at University of Texas at San Antionio, she held multiple leadership roles, mentored students, and helped strengthen several campus organizations through her vision and dedication. She thrives in community‑focused spaces and is committed to uplifting others through mentorship, collaboration, and purposeful work. Emma brings warmth, creativity, and a strong sense of mission to every team she serves.


Suzanne Slight Hogan

I want to live in a world surrounded by kind people like Ama and her crew, where dark chocolate abounds and telemarketers are eradicated.

I’m a border rat. Grew up in a sleepy area of South Texas. After I received my Bachelor’s degree from Texas A & M University I moved to the big city of San Antonio, Texas. I’ve made my home here since 1987 and love everything this big small town has to offer. When I’m not hanging out with my beautiful daughter you will find me dancing, reading or gardening. Looking forward to the day when I can travel anywhere in the world again and Ghana is at the top of my list!
I am honored to be included in Ama’s circle to help generate goodwill and funds for her children.


Brenda Grisby

Brenda is a wife and mother of five children, the youngest of whom are triplets who will be 18 next month. Brenda has volunteered for many non-profits over the years and involves her family as much as possible. She believes that the greatest gift we can offer ourselves is to give to others, whether it be time, money, or both.


Gala Committee Volunteers 2025

Laurel, Matthew, Ama, Miranda, Nydia, Melody


Gala Committee Volunteers 2024

Melody, Laurel, Tina, Miranda, Ama, Colleen, Nydia (Back Row) Laura, Suzanne, Elaine, Yolanda, Matthew (Front row)


Gala Committee Volunteers 2015                                                                                                                                                                                 

Ama Osei-Bonsu, Pam Ayon, Tina Zimmerman, Judie Kerr, Rebecca Sossi, Michelle Walsh, Robin Pittman, Esther Paddock, Kalendo Banda, Sofia Dabalsa, Miranda Richard, Missy Steadman, and Colleen Sample.